Thomas97's Progress

[thomas97]

A general notice to anyone interested in DIYing a Paint job.
Between sanding and coats we have been using a product called total prep, an ABSOLUTE must when working with painting the tins on your car. we are also using $300 Worth of DuPont Chroma system paint, very high quality base/spot filler primer, R-94 [san marino red], Chroma system clear, and all th activators from DuPont also. we used Pure thick bondo for the deep holes that the "H" left and then when we had a base of bondo in the holes we Glazed over. continue to read on and look, the hood was probably the most tricky to get right because it takes the most hits, rocks sand, bitches, hoes, water, piss, beer, ****, birds, raccoons, anything you can name. The other parts are far more easy, read on and enjoy, for the weekend warrior or DIY guy, please read this before you think you can just jump into painting a car, if you don't have the Air tools including but not limited to air sanders, a large air compressor, spray gun and others for this then DO NOT ATTEMPT, and if you do than face the crummy paint job you will get, im hoping everyone can learn from this and see what it takes to do your own paint job.

4/5/08
I need not words, my Dad, my friend Alex, and myself all pushed and got my hood prepped, then we bondo-ed the rock dents we couldn't sand out, and we filled some holes... observe and comment fo sho.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00913.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00911.jpg

the last sight that we will ever see of the hood like that...
and now preludezone, the point of no return...
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00914.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00915.jpg

aerodynamics is a bitch when it comes to flying rocks for over 200,000 miles of nothing but highway, everyone of those gray sports was a MAJOR rock dent, definitely getting a bra for it because that lip on the hood was ruined, you'll see in the next pictures how we had to strip that to complete bare metal.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00928.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00924.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00927.jpg


thats all we got done, i forgot what the stuffs called but we used the one putty on the rock dents then bondo-ed the "H" holes i didn't get a picture of that because it was getting late and i didn't feel like going back out, some friends came over to hangout

see ya [thats my friend alex]
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00926-1.jpg

Update!
4/6/08
Okay, so I posted this morning saying we were going to finish bondo-ing and glazing the hood but my Dad wanted to push to get the hood primed because we hit a goldmine of good weather this weekend. I'm pretty pleased with $400 dollar paint job so far, hoping it will be pretty nice, we bought high quality Du-point painting system, hell give my dad a break hes only been doing this for what 25 years?! It will be hard for you all to tell but we need to glaze the front lip of the hood a bit more, theres glazing pictures, and primer pictures, enjoy! sorry for the double post at the bottom.


http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00935.jpg
more glaze, found a few small imperfections, about 99% of that was sanded off
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00936.jpg
last glazing, now here comes the paint pictures.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00937.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00938.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00939.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00940.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00941.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00942.jpg

Pretty ghetto spray booth but heres our finished product for the day.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00943.jpg

Update!
4/10/08
got pretty bored thought id go at getting the rust away from the key hole and removing the leftovers from the dealer sticker and the DOHC vtec sticker so he paint comes out nice, also sanded the rounded lip, glazing the last parts tonight hopefully! only a few pictures, enjoy!!
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00944.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00945.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00947.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00948.jpg

Later tonight [4/10/08]
well as i realized... ive got 20 days to get this baby done! i need to be driving her by the 30th!!!! yay for turning 16!
anyways, got a friend to come over, fed him and we tackled the roof and trunk! rust on the trunk keyhole? GONE! cracked and pink paint on the roof? DONE FOR! my lungs? PINK AS HELLLLLLLL!

alas we got it done after all of the "I got so much pink today" jokes were done hahah, those never get old. its hella dusty out there, so i hope you enjoy, sorry for the double post, but i figured this news was worth sharing, since i did after all update twice today! Enjoy the pictures and do share your comments!
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00949.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00950.jpg
the rust lowered the trunk a bit so we glazed it and it came out perfect! ^^

heres the god aweful roof, as we were sanding and the paint was seemingly comming off WAY to easily we realized :shocked: THERES NO CLEAR!!!! that was by far the worst part of the car.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00951.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00952.jpg

Heres my baby in all her misery, poor thing, youll have new paint and a full body rub sonn baby, i promise! :wink:
i had a good day, i can hit on my car that i just got pink from if i want to! :biggrin: later d00ds!
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00953.jpg

Thanks for Tune-ing in :wink:

[93-LUDE-SI]

The prep looks good man. Cant wait to see how it turns out.

[thomas97]

thanks man.
the roof needs it, the trunk needs it, and it sucks but that front bumper needs it too, ugh. that took us all day

this is easily a month-long project working only on weekends.

[twokexlv6coupe]

damn tim, lookin good! i wish i had the balls to sand down my car like that :redface:

[thomas97]

my dads been doing this since he was like 15 and now hes in his 40's
he dove right in and me and alex were like "sha whaaaat?"
im excited, no more H's! i knew they were gonna get jacked anyways so
now i wont have to worry

[Brash22]

"What's the point of having a Honda if nobody knows it's a Honda??!"
-Superintendant Chalmers

Keep us posted mate, looking good so far.

[ogsmakdade]

"What's the point of having a Honda if nobody knows it's a Honda??!"
-Superintendant Chalmers

Keep us posted mate, looking good so far.

classic simpsons FTMFW!

looks great tim. keep us up on the progress.

[thomas97]

I'm not sure, I kinda wanna keep the rear and pull a poser and slap a s2k black H back there, but I haven't decided yet, I know for a fact that I wanted to get rid of the front H, because it was so ****ty I had to paint it for it to look decent while i was still using it, and well, a 5 g without the front H just looks great.

theres not too many options that don't look dumb or poser of a red prelude plus H4L's car has been a great inspiration through it all, not sure though. someone can help me out with that.

gonna go work on it though, more pictures tonight.

[thomas97]

Updated!!!

[ogsmakdade]

looks great broski!

[Irish Luder]

looks good, i badly need to do the same but im gonna wait and do the whole car! my honda badges have fallen off both my cars but i smoothed the holes out too, looks alot better now :cool:
cant wait to see the finished product!

[thomas97]

the primer actually came out 100% better than we first thought, when it was wet it appeared as though we missed alot and we suck at glazing, but thank GOD we bought the good system because the primer corrected the tiny mistakes and it will need very little fixing if any, sand her down next weekend then red and clear hopefully!!!

but if its cold much much much longer to wait, but primer is laid and were happy with it!

[ogsmakdade]

bring on the RED!

[thomas97]

fo sho man, roofs next,
anyone have the instructions or a write up for removing a 5th generations roof? also removal of the black rails that run across the top, that would be great if someone can help me with that!

thanks guys!

edit;
no sunroof removal, just those black rails on the roof

[Pooponurhead]

That looks awesome man. Way cooler than paying a shop thousands to do it. Why not DIY. Good luck with everything man, it looks great already!:smile:

[00CDMLUDER]

looks very good man! can't wait to see it painted!

[93-LUDE-SI]

My parents said I couldnt use a spray gun at my house cuz it would make too much of a mess:mad: I had to paint my body kit with a rattle can. haha. Looks like the primer came out good man.

[ludenight95]

lookin good tim, be gentle with her

[99PreludeSh]

lookin good and being done right, I love it!


But how long did it take to long block sand the entire hood?

[thomas97]

it took us a good long day to long block sand that hood, but the compressor wasn't keeping up so once the hard work was done with that we went to 2 jitterbug type sanders and guy hand sanding, then i dropped one of the electric sanders and did it with my hands, with a dented an dinged hood its really much better to get down there and feel it than just guess with the power tools. It took us a good day with filling holes to do it right.

The weather is looking like snow so i think were gonna do ahead and sand the other pieces down so next time we spray we can spray the 3 pieces all together while the gun is warmed up anyways.

you guys will be best impressed with the roof, ill see if i cant get a picture or two of it, i heard miz complaining about paint, Miz lol. i got you beat, its pink, cracked and theres no clear coat haha.

Updates soon, thanks for the kind words!

[thomas97]

n00b bump for PZ Double update night!, body fully sanded!!!!

[PreludeBoy95']

do work son....looking good man..cant wait for the final product :thumb:

[thomas97]

thanks bro, its been a helluvaride so far, dont exspect the rest to be a coast either.

im going to put the rest of the updates into a new page because i filled that one up with too many pictures!

[PreludeBoy95']

yeah w/e u gotta do lol

[thomas97]

ugh,
bad bad bad ****ing night,
im sick of ****in n00b ass kids wanting to race the ****ing prelude, wanting to drive it blah blah ****ing blah! im really getting sick of that so fast, stupid ****ing highschool drama, adolecent kids really piss me off.

anyways, finishing the sandin tomorrow...

[ogsmakdade]

keep your head cool bro. we all know what the lude can do, who cares what they think.

[thomas97]

yeah i know ogs. its just like you with nobs, its really annoying, but i guess ill deal with em.
im trying to save up a couplea bucks to get a license plate relocator for the front, cause i don liek the front look.

[ogsmakdade]

good idea. I'll be deleting the bolt holes and smoothing the ridge over on my front bumper. will look much cleaner

[thomas97]

yeah, theres a really simple one on ebay that i want, i also got some OBX or something clear bumper lights and some H's or whatever.
i want the LP relocator since were probably gonna repaint the bumper most likely

so yeah,
ill also be replacing the DOHC VTEC since everyone who has a lude removes it,
i wont be, its original and i plan to keep it,

im pissed about people wanting to race because if i get one ticket of ANY kind i get the car taken away and sold....

[ogsmakdade]

I have ebay clear bumper lights, they work great. you should consider replacing your orange bumper lights w/ red late model accord ones. They are from the back bumper on 98-02. Would look fresh

[thomas97]

updates Part 2!!!

4/12/08
Got in my Honda emblems today and masked off a good part of the car until I used up the daily news paper lol. But in any case I guess these ended up being JDM emblems and I didn't even notice, guess it came with the price tag though haha, yay first JDM y0!
eh, I don't like JDM'ng my car, or at least not going out of my way to do it, this was just a cowinkydink

heres a picture or two! not mounted by the way lol, still need to paint, it snowed so no paint :[ Oh but i also got a picture of whatelse will be going on the car someday soooN! [thanks steve-o :wink:]

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00954.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00955.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00956.jpg
*cough* Skunk2 *cough*

[2.2Lude]

yeah, theres a really simple one on ebay that i want, i also got some OBX or something clear bumper lights and some H's or whatever.
i want the LP relocator since were probably gonna repaint the bumper most likely

so yeah,
ill also be replacing the DOHC VTEC since everyone who has a lude removes it,
i wont be, its original and i plan to keep it,

im pissed about people wanting to race because if i get one ticket of ANY kind i get the car taken away and sold....

same exact thing for me bro, my dad already said it "my insurance just shot up the roof, and if you get a speeding ticket, I'm selling your car and taking your license"

[thomas97]

yeh man, blows, but atleast i have anon lame excuess other than "your not worth my time"

[2.2Lude]

yeah i know how you feel, theres a guy with a RSX-S at my school that keeps trying to race me. At first i told him the better driver would win, and i guess he took it as a insult and started challenging me everyday, trying to make it seem as if i was scared in front of my girl and friends. Then just to shut him i told him he'd win(which he probably would), but he just continued on about how I'm chickening out, when i never agreed to race him in the first place.

What felt the best was when a on campus cop, that had heard this guy talking his sh1t one day, came up to me and said your a smart kid, just let him run his mouth hes only making himself look like an idiot, plus your lude is way better looking(he also has a stock 5th gen)

But don't let it get to you Tim theres always going to be some jack-a$$ out there, just keep cool..

[thomas97]

agreed, the top opost will be the new update section, i filled up the first one to the brim

[Brash22]

Well mate this is coming along quite nicly; I'll hafta pay much closer attention!

Well done on not racing him, you're showing maturity far beyond your years there mate.

[ogsmakdade]

ah the side markers?

E sent me clear ones for free a while ago, hes a good guy, plus they was free, no retros for me either, i respec my good ol halogens

they would tie in w/ the tail lights well. w/ the clear up front and the red next to them. Just my opinion. if I can find some oneline cheap, I'll send you a link.

[Si Speed]

I have ebay clear bumper lights, they work great. you should consider replacing your orange bumper lights w/ red late model accord ones. They are from the back bumper on 98-02. Would look fresh

92-96 Prelude, 94-97 Accords, and 98-02 Accord coupes had the red. They're all interchangeable with the 5th gen.
lilredlude did it to hers if you wanna check it out Tim.

Take my advice, don't take that first race. Once I had my first race in the 4th gen, and fond out how easily I could take down everyone around with just that H23, I was tryin to stomp down everybody, and damn near got in some HUGE trouble with the law because of it, so save it for the track.

You should also take your skirts and rear off ad paint them while you're at it and do a write up on that whole thing, like removing the sides since I have no idea how, lol. This is starting to inspire me to do my car myself. I gotta clean out my dad's shop first. I can't hardly park a pressure washer in there.

[ogsmakdade]

^ E agrees with my genius. it won't turn out shytty tim, even tho you have 2 assholes on your side. haha

[thomas97]

well if you can find me some decent ones im all for it, arent the front ones supossed to be amber though? coulda swore that, dont wanna piss of the cops here toooooo too much haha

i got the H"s in, once my friend leaves ill post of some pictures, im hoping to recieve the bumper turn lights on monday.

[Brash22]

Ot, but...



You should also take your skirts and rear off ad paint them while you're at it and do a write up on that whole thing, like removing the sides since I have no idea how, lol.

Pull all the push clips out of the bottom of the skirt, then sit down on the ground next to the rear wheel, facing the front of the car. Rest your foot on the back of the side skirt, read: __| <--there

Then push with your foot. It will fall out just like that.

[thomas97]

^^ guy knows his stuff haha
i never figured out the rear skirt, we kinda just masked it off and rattle canned it. the sides are really easy though,

Updates are now at the top of this page FYI to anyone who didnt notice yet,
Anyone know how to make a link to a post?

also anyone know how to remoe the front bumper???

[Si Speed]

The rear has... I think 4 actual bolts holding it on, and them some clips, which you're guaranteed to break at least 1.

[thomas97]

yeah, i found out th price of the rear clips too and i let it be and masked it hahaha

[Si Speed]

I only have like 2 and the bolts so its all good.

[thomas97]

i sanded the roof and trunk somemore today, but its not worth an update,
so depressing if it werent for this wack weather shed probably be almost ready for clear by now, ugh! :ugh:

[Brash22]

Check this link to pull off the rear skirt part --->http://www.handaaccessories.com/prelude/preluderuspoiler.pdf

Removing the front bar is pretty easy.

-Firstly remove the grille, which exposes another set of push clips, and remove them.
-Unscrew the little screws (10mm or +) in the wheel well at the top of the bumper. It's probably easier with the front wheels off, but is possible with them on.
-Unscrew the SECOND row of bolts from underneith. The first row which is almost right along the front holds on the OEM lip (if applicable), removing the lip is not essential (this I found out after removing it)
-The bar should just about come away now, so unhook your connections to turn signals, side markers, etc.

It can be removed on your own quite simply (I've done it three or four times now!) but you really need a second person to refit it.

[thomas97]

thanks B
were really gonna need to take that off to paint it, so we will see.

[Si Speed]

Where did you get the paint supplies and **** from?

[thomas97]

There is a place by me called Terrace Supply
Huge paint supplier and i got it for what i think is a decent price, i got the whole system [primer, base,color] for $230!

youll probably spend just as much in tape and sand paper though X) hahaha

[ogsmakdade]

^ not if your cousin is a professional paint and body guy. also my uncle manages custom paint and body business lol.

FREE STUFF FTW!

[importsnrice]

Good job Tim!

[twokexlv6coupe]

^ not if your cousin is a professional paint and body guy. also my uncle manages custom paint and body business lol.

FREE STUFF FTW!



so...



why is your car 17 diff shades tho?? :confused:

[Pooponurhead]

Haahaa. Set that bastid straight, Nick.:tongue:

[thomas97]

i finally mde a thread that is gaining popularity :biggrin: w00t
i took the bumper off today, wasnt even really rust, but the paint on the bumper sucks, sanded it down before i got fed up, i have turns bumps and cracks, i dont know HOW you people paint body kits, your freakin nuts!

[thomas97]

Update 4/14/08!
Okay okay sorry for the double post but i have a BIG update for you guys!!

so i came home, and with Brash's instructions got the front bumper off no problem, took all the gear off and started sanding that, my dad finished glazing the hood, i removed that styrofoam piece, more liek it fell off and i saw my impact bar was a little rusty so i sanded that and gave it a fresh rattle can of black, that came out sooooooooo good! then i got bored later on tonight didnt feel like glazing or anything so i tackled that huge ass stock intake thing ive been meaning to remove, yay bumpers off perfect chance!! got it off, wasnt sure where to plug the vaccum line so i talked to nick, that will be off and gone, what surprised me and my dad most is first

ITS HEAVY! and second the butterfly flap was frove and so was the vaccum opener, we finally found the reason why the SRI felt so amazing, 1 yes more free flowing and 2 it wasnt running out of a pipe the size of my thumb! im going to pickup a AEM Bypass and hook up my SRI!!! im so excited!

the weather is also starting to break, the rest of the primer should be on sooooooooooooooooon!!!! whatta day, full of excitement and everything else that could have went right with the car, went right!

enough of my blabbing! Updates!!! and Pictures!!!

Heres the intake stock thing w/ frozen flap!
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00987.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00988.jpg

shes already looking sexier as the days go by
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00989.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00992.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00990.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00991.jpg

soon to be spot of my CAI!
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00993.jpg

styro back on, filled **** and wet sanded hood.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00994.jpg

and of course my front bumper which is going to have clear bumper lights soon
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00995.jpg


man this took the greater part of my day, but well worth the double post i just did!!!

im out though, im tired!
Tim

[2.2Lude]

yay you took of the res. i took mine off too before i got my SRI and it sounding great even with the stock intake and a drop in K&N filter

[thomas97]

i didnt know all of that was down there, im excited its gone though, feel like i did the job right for a change, i hope its warm so we can srpay tomorrow

[2.2Lude]

its coming out pretty damn nice thats for sure

[thomas97]

yeah im prety pleased this far in, everything is going well, fixed some rust here, fixed some dings there, filled some holes, primed... bam!

the lude looks kinda cool all take apart, im not sure if i want to run the SRI or CAI though, im kinda thinking the SRI for looks, and im thinking its going to flow alot better with that hunk of plastic gone. in anycase, im happy, i kinda want to get rear mudflaps too, those would be nice, in any case my clear lights should be here tomorrow, excited for those!

oh and i desperately need new tires,
i think were gonna get Yokohama 205/45/16's that should be a good size for the drop too
all season high perforance WITH the drop should be really nice, i cant wait for good old drop day.

[HondaNeedsBoost]

nice work tim

[thomas97]

Update 4/16/08

dont feel like talking much tonight, im tiried, alot of bumper sanding which i hated and here is the paint, all primed and pretty, the pink is gone, the battle is over, now the gentle part begins.
enjoy, and goodnight.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00996.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00997.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00998.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC00999.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01000.jpg

[HondaNeedsBoost]

even nicer...more good work...and its not bad to double post

[thomas97]

haha, oh well, thanks though,
i really hope it gets warm again tomorrow, that would be really dandy if we coud spray red....

[94ludeguy]

hey man u said u wanted the rear mudflaps i think i have mine if the 4th gens will fit it.

[thomas97]

i have no idea haha
i really cant take that kinda risk with my low money flow :[
if i had a definite answer id buy em

[94ludeguy]

yeah man if we find out ill just charge u shipping i dont really care

[ogsmakdade]

I don't think they will fit guys

the car looks great, can't wait to see her shinny red.
Tim I'm on the hunt for mudflaps.

[Brash22]

So you got the bumper off alright then mate? This is gonna be schweet when it's finished.

Are you going back to just how it was, or are you fitting anything else when you put it back together?

[Si Speed]

4g flaps won't work, I already tried.

[94ludeguy]

4g flaps won't work, I already tried.

owell worth a shot

[thomas97]

I don't think they will fit guys

the car looks great, can't wait to see her shinny red.
Tim I'm on the hunt for mudflaps.

thanks for the help ogs

So you got the bumper off alright then mate? This is gonna be schweet when it's finished.

Are you going back to just how it was, or are you fitting anything else when you put it back together?

removal of the bumper was so easy since i knew what i was looking for, thanks alot man.
back to good old red, if the stupid ebay guys ever send my package ill have clear front turn/bumper lights, i wanted the license plate relocator, but i put it there and changhed my mind, the front grill is pretty messed up so i might cut it out and get the ebay copy of the grill craft grill i think thats like 20 bucks or something.

im gonna put some nice bright silverstars in the turns too :biggrin:

not much is going on the outside, need to start saving after this, got alot planned, THAT, myfriends will be in a different thread in about 2 years :wink:

[Si Speed]

If you get grillcraft, get a black grill. The polished is okay, but the powdercoated black one looks way better. In fact, I want one when I get my honeycomb grille for the top.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y207/CarPics2000/Prelude1.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y207/CarPics2000/Prelude4.jpg

And $60 for NEW mud flaps from Majestic:
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=PRELUDE&catcgry2=1997&catcgry3=2DR+BASE&catcgry4=KA5MT&catcgry5=ACCESSORIES+-+EXTERIOR

The set is #55 on the list.

[mcimo]

How do those attach to the bumper? I think it would look way better if the original grill was cut out first. Could this be done?

[thomas97]

E,
im not going with grill graft when i can ge the same one off of ebya for 1/6 the price, sorry man thats just outrageous for a simple grill which, if the car were to ever get in an accident would be TOAST

and mic, id be cut5ting my grill out and putting the metal ro whatever in place

[Si Speed]

Yeah, I cut mine out anyway.
If you go to your front bumper and feel around the top, there's a little plastic thing on each side. I don't remember about the bottom but I imagine that's how you'd do it.

[Si Speed]

OH OH!
TIM! You should take your head lights apart and paint the shrouds red. :biggrin:
The only color I've seen done is black, the the Fit looks awesome wit their headlights looking lthe same color as the car.

[HondaNeedsBoost]

itll be tits to see both our cars done at the same time

[H2298Lude]

Looks good can't wait to see how it turns out.

[thomas97]

finally got my clear bumper lights today and WOW! whatta improvement, so glossy and great looking, greatest ebay purchase ive made! i also got the change to paint the fog covers and the top grill, man those look so sexy
i preassembled the front end and DAMNNN it looks FINE AS HELL!

im getting soooo excited about this, i might be getting Yokohamas and new center caps for my birthday, yay!

[94ludeguy]

do i smell a ROTM coming soon... i cant wait to see the finished product man... one helluva job so far

[thomas97]

haha, i doubt it broski, ive never even been nominated,
been hidin out for a while until i had something i could impress you guys with, maybe for march ill ave a photoshoot for you guys!

but today made me hella happy!
i got some parts today :biggrin:
i went to go pickup a free H22 Trans for the swap i plan to do my Sr. year but he had already given it away, he knows about my lude and stuff cause hes a good friend so instead he gave me somethign really awesome. as you guys all know i really and truely suppport my 97'ness so he gave me a pretty much BRAND SPANKIN NEW 97-98 front grill! for free too!!! and he gave me the fog covers he had sittin around YAY!!!
and my ebay clears came in, oh man ogs, the front end black clear and red is SEXYYYY!

enjoy the pictures, no major updates, just happy AND we should be spraying red and clear this weekend!!

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01001.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01002.jpg

i shouldve taken the picture with the old one next to it, youd really understand why im so excited then haha

here you go!
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01003.jpg

i think the Yokohama's my license and gas money is my birthday present, which is perfectly fine by me :]]]

[HondaNeedsBoost]

is that grill sposed to have the same basic shape as the 4th gen pieces?

[thomas97]

now that i think about it, yeah, its like your two small nostrils elongated to one bar, nice!

the 97 grill separates me from the rest, i love to :biggrin:
EVERYONE falls for that honey comb, and i do agree, its ****ign sexy as hell, but i can also apreciate the fact that honda designed my car with this grill and not the 99 one :wink:

kinda gives it some history too ya know? grill of the 4thish, hoodlines of the 3rd gen, the whole shindig.

i was gonna paint my radio bezel black but everyacess to it is tapped closed haha, oh well, thats for when the red is done.

[importsnrice]

Very nice! Kept up with the whole thing! If you don't mind, can I come by and watch you guys paint? I always wanted to see that. Plus I actually get to see the car finished ;)

[PreludeBoy95']

now that i think about it, yeah, its like your two small nostrils elongated to one bar, nice!

the 97 grill separates me from the rest, i love to :biggrin:
EVERYONE falls for that honey comb, and i do agree, its ****ign sexy as hell, but i can also apreciate the fact that honda designed my car with this grill and not the 99 one :wink:

kinda gives it some history too ya know? grill of the 4thish, hoodlines of the 3rd gen, the whole shindig.

i was gonna paint my radio bezel black but everyacess to it is tapped closed haha, oh well, thats for when the red is done.

hell yeah dude agreed on the grill...beg to differ bro...gl with everything man

[thomas97]

YEAH SHES DONE!!!

started at like 10 and finnished recently!! woooooo taking the masking off around 5 and ill take some more pictures shes RED AGAIN!!

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01038.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01036.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01035.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01034.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01033.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01032.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01031.jpg

lol at our instafix method of keeping things upright
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01037.jpg

drys for the rest of the week then buffing next weekend!
ill post up the pictures of the finnished product with all masking off when its dry enough to do that!

[Irish Luder]

ooooo shiney!!!
im looking forward to the unveiling

[2.2Lude]

nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dwend]

It looks good, can't wait to see it unmasked.

[thomas97]

update TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

more pitures!
this is just really dusty, it looks good in person, kinda has an xbox elite feel, lovin it so far
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01042.jpg

cleared out front end
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01044.jpg

random unmasked pictures
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01041.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01040.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01039.jpg

you can exspect to see the fenders painted next we think so MODS KEEP IT OPEN!!!

oh and?!
Driving in 9 days!

[ogsmakdade]

looks great so far bro. I'll be checkin up on ya.

[thomas97]

yeah, it doesnt look that bad, the new paint is much brighter odviously, but its still all there and im happy ill be able t get my first drive on my birthday which is all i asked for,

we have the rear QP rust so maybe the sander might slip and we well have to do the whole car :wink:

i know for sure we might be doing the fenders red because they have the dings from the rocks so the front end will look great, and than maybe we will do the side of the body, we could probably do up the sides and fenders with another quart of r94 and the system, just would need to start saving up some money,
i want to see how the red breaks in so to speak before we move to assumptions, the non cured paint always looks a bit different than the cured/hardened paint

thanks for looking back considering whatcha said ogs.

[importsnrice]

Very nice! lol I knew you were gonna end up doin the whole car :p

[thomas97]

yeah that would be nice haha
we will have to see, itll come out to be a 500$ job and two sore backs haha

[Oceanborn]

Nice work buddy. I'm still amazed by the amount of dust in your garage. :biggrin:

[thomas97]

its pretty brutal, ive given up on sweeping haha

[thomas97]

:bawling: :bawling: :bawling:

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01046.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01047.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01048.jpg

:bawling: :bawling: :bawling:
I want to shoot myself for this one...

[HondaNeedsBoost]

what the hell happened? over sand?

[thomas97]

no a 15 year old with a buffer that slipped :[[[[
i sat there for an hour just taring at it thinking what an idiot i am...

[2.2Lude]

ohh crap, don't worry Tim sh1t happens, just don't give up on it

[thomas97]

yeah :[
i guess its back from square one

[2.2Lude]

don't stress about it, at least now you know exactly what to do and do it better

I still give you rep tho for even doing this to your car, most of us (that aren't body guys) would never dare even attempt that.

[thomas97]

yeah, you wonder why normal people dont do this to cars,
lol, hence were not normal lol

probably also why the lude was forsale for so long at honda, noone had the balls to buy it to repaint it.

[2.2Lude]

you had the balls! lol its ok not to be normal if its for our cars

[thomas97]

whatta ****ty day though,
my parets arent happy about it,
its ahrd work doing all of the hood over again...
and also my bass player isnt allowed to play the shows we have, and blah blah blah what a ****ing horrible day

[Brash22]

That sucks mate! But I know how you feel though, I worked in a crash shop for a little while and did something similar a few times...

It gets better, trust me mate

[PreludeBoy95']

oh yes..its coming together...awesome bro...hey man i finally got some engine pics....in this thread and also check out my page i got one in there and some more new pics..thanks and later man

http://www.preludezone.com/showthread.php?t=8966

[thomas97]

yeah i just saw, looks nice, definately needs some TLC to the bay, but the intake is nice, how much did the INJEN one cost ya?

my k&n one cost me like 200 bnes i think

[PreludeBoy95']

yeah i just saw, looks nice, definately needs some TLC to the bay, but the intake is nice, how much did the INJEN one cost ya?

my k&n one cost me like 200 bnes i think

$90 shipped brand new...freakin steal...some guy had ordered the wrong gen...so needed da money quick lol

[thomas97]

oh if it was the guy on here that you bought it from i remember seeing a thread about a cheap intake, sigh, its so depressing redoing this hood, my dads not even here too to help, so the screwup was by me and i have to do all the sanding myself took, unfortunate but whatever,

ill have her done good for thursday and than maybe he wont be too pissed about it when he sees it all ready to go when he gets home,

well lets hope :[
this is an unfortunate bump, PRAY that the weather is nice this weekend and it is done by then, so that wednesday when i get my license i can drive her!

[PreludeBoy95']

yeah thats the guy.....of course man only hopin for the best

[Si Speed]

Should dropped the sander on it so you had unrepairable dents and a good excuse to get a carbon fiber hood :wink:

[Oceanborn]

^ Amen... CF All the way ^

[thomas97]

screw CF dude. i got goodies today im so excited!
before the goodies,
i finished sanding down the hood and its all ready for this weekend of spraying!!!
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01056.jpg

and than, my dad really gave me a surprise and ordered the Yokohamas i wanted 205/45/16!!! FTMFW!!!
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01057.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01058.jpg

and E i finally got around to mounting up some gauges, yay gauges!
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i95/Thomastk/DSC01059.jpg

[HondaNeedsBoost]

well like they say...when god gives u lemons u find a new god...or get goodies for ur lude

[thomas97]

lol,
the yok's were my birthday present, i need to mount em up so i can get her on the road.

[HondaNeedsBoost]

yea dude i had my tires for less than an hour...and as soon as i got to the votech they were on...to bad u cant do that aswell

[thomas97]

im doing them tomorrow i think, lol, whats even better is IM the one doing them, not a shop, we have all the machines at school, i even get to balance them myself! then im takin her to honda to get aligned and get the pressure fluids changed and trans flush

i think
im not sure, i have no idea

[HondaNeedsBoost]

well im glad to hear u can work on urs urself...i am not very good with motors, wheels, or many other things on a car...so props to u:smile:

[thomas97]

yeah thanks d00d
only 6 more days until i drive it!

[HondaNeedsBoost]

:cool:

i still have about a week or so...but yea dude...well both be runnin around in fresh red ludes

[importsnrice]

Damn, sucks. Hopefully everything gets done before B-DAY. And hopefully you don't rush your paint to get it dome before license lol. I remember I wanted to drive my car soo bad and I drove without insurance and got rear-ended :frown:

Just keep that in mind lol

[thomas97]

agreed, im just happy it is where it is, its taken along time to get where it is.

[99PreludeSh]

So I didnt feel like reading through the whole thread but what kind of paint did you go with? Single stage? BC/CC? Did you have much over spray?

[91Si4WS]

she's coming along very nice!! sucks about the hood but atleast you still have time to respray it before you start driving it!

[Irish Luder]

sorry to hear about your mishap, i havnt seen this thread in a while so sorry about commenting on something you said way back but are you only 15???
if you are thats crazy good going on your lude! i dont know any 15 year olds who would even know how to go about spraying a car, props to you!!

[thomas97]

yeah irish, im 15, my dad bought the car and ive put every single adolecent penny of mine into it, it doesnt apear it but i bet the grand total of the car is quickly aproaching 10 grand
figure 4.5g for the car plus all the stuff ive done and redone i KNOW for a fact its over 2500 in mods so who knows, all i know is that the car is finally picking up speed, im so glad i had the strength to get it good at first, ya know like fixing it back to stock and than we did some fun stuff,

alotta TLC and bloody knuckles!
im so agervated now though, yeah whoop dee doo i get the guages but wheretf and i gonna run wires, 99preludesh [steph] your a mastermind of engine bays, where do i search?!!

and steph im kinda unsure about your question because i dont know the technical terms so if you could elaborate? but i knwo the primer was one bang odviously, the color was just the color and activator, and the clear was a one bang too, i know some clear coats take different processes, so i dont know.

literally though, i SERIOUSLY need help with where to run the wires...

[99PreludeSh]

Wait wires for what? Im confused

You did answer my question though.

Single stage would be your primer of course then pretty much your base(color) and clear are mixed together meaning a single stage

BC/CC (base coat/clear coat) which is what you did with 2 different steps. Your Base with the activator FOLLOWED by your Clear with the hardner and activator and what not. Making it BC/CC

Then theres Three stage which is usually base(color), clear, and a tinted clear. Its gets confusing up in that area lol.

Def looks like its coming along nice though!

[thomas97]

i need to run like three wires i think throught the firewall to get to the battery and one is an oil line to go to the oilfilter, and i need to get through the firewall but NOONEE has EVER been able to show me where a stock hole is, or where a good place to drill would be, hmpf

im not sure if this answers much so sorry if im annoying you haha:
Well i believe is was DuPont Chroma System
primer was laid, then the R-94 was laid the next day along with the clear BC/CC
the clear did look tinted come to think of it, but we never sprayed a second clear, or different batch or anything

[Si Speed]

Those are V4S tires right?

[thomas97]

i think theyre AVID H4's
not sure, i dont feel like looking lol

[Si Speed]

The H4's will last a little longer. I had the V4's on my 4th gen. Great tire, very grippy, good traction in the rain and dry, but it didn't last no time. The H's are a little harder and ought to last more than 20K miles.

[thomas97]

fa sho
they should last me throughout highschool and if the car is still ours once im through with college ill get some new ones

[thomas97]

5 days to go, shes in the shop now AHHHH!!!!

[importsnrice]

Got any pics with new tires? ;)

[Oceanborn]

Hey buddy, if you just need to get to the battery for your gauges, heres the best way to do it. (IMO) Run the wires down the column the gauges are on down behind the dash. Run them over to the passenger side, then pull your carpet away from the area where your ECU is. Now go under the hood. There are two bolts holding the fuse box to the firewall. Unbolt it and just lay the fuse box off to the side. There is a grommet right behind where the fuse box was that almost all the engine electronics run through. Run your wires through that grommet, you may have to do some searching to find the hole where the wires will come into the cabin, but it's there.

Hope that helps.


P.S. NO DRILLING!!! :tongue:

[thomas97]

that hole has been searched for for man months [enter crude joke here]
oh well, whaever, im dont with electronics, it always comes down to taht facking hole! [enter other crude joke here]

[Oceanborn]

Have you tried using a straightened clothes hanger and pushing it through the grommet? Thats what I did, I had been trying to get wires through it for weeks before I decided to try some ghetto ingenuity. :biggrin:

[thomas97]

its nto that, id find a way to get it through the hole but the gromet inside?
NWTBF!

[2.2Lude]

Soo sick! i want some now, are they wired up too?

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e279/lil_tech209/guages.jpg

[thomas97]

the volt meter is, that ones pretty cool and helpful when your running accessories, you learn how far you can push the battery

i havent hooked up oil pressure yet because i need to find a hole in the fire wall AND i need n oil sandwhich, lol yes im serioous

[Si Speed]

They light up at night?

[thomas97]

yeah, they'll be blue nexttime i go to the store.
theyre just liie, normal blub color now

[Brash22]

As nice as those gauges look, you do realise that you've put them on the wrong piller don't you... :drum:

[2.2Lude]

As nice as those gauges look, you do realise that you've put them on the wrong piller don't you... :drum:

please elaborate brash

[thomas97]

i did?
whatever brash,
not even in the mod to even look at the car seriously thinking about
walking to the depo store and getting a for sale sign

[Si Speed]

Yeah, you never told me why?
Just tell the parents to shut up. If they're so concerned, then why did they get you the car? Since they DID get it for you, that makes it a gift. That makes it yours to do whatever you want with. Of course, if it's under their name, then that might create a problem. That's when you use reverse psychology and tell them you'll buy the sale sign yourself. They'll back down. It works with mine every time.

Oh and Kumar, the side markers on his car are the ones you sent me, so you can see where I got the yellow stuff off.

[thomas97]

did i really put it on wrong, because everyone i kno has it there...

[Si Speed]

I think he's just messing with you.

[thomas97]

none the less i probably woulda pulled an E and told him to go fack himself, then laugh about it

[Brash22]

Just taking the piss outta you mate...you guys drive from the passenger seat so it would make sence to me to put the guages on the other side :slug:

[THE ONE]

Wow Keep doing your thing Tim!

[thomas97]

its tough, its been a battle with my parents from the start, ive obught everything all 3 grand of it. il be buying a new engine some day, ive got my eye on a barely used clutch, than i need tog et some struts since it rides real high with the 205/45/16's on there. not sure, mght just save and go for struts.

[THE ONE]

Take your time man don't rush. If you're broke your broke. when you need an engine let me know. I might can help you out with that. ;)

[thomas97]

im all ears for what you have in mind ace,
i always get excited about an engine i would be able to trust in my car, more so than my engine haha.

remember, if i pull my old one out it will be in full working condition other than being old, that might catch some ears or and i can scrap parts off of it if i dont sell it as a whole to some civic nooob'

[Si Speed]

Oh and, don't buy ebay strut bars. I tried them out, since it wouldn't really hurt the car if they didn't work. I bent the back one after 3 days. The front one is still on the car and does it's job but it's not firm enough for my taste. I think I'm going with the solid piece Neuspeed one... No idea what I'mma do for a back one yet.

[BadMofo]

So, is today the day Tim? I noticed that on the 23rd you said "6 days till I drive it". That makes today day 6! You excited?

[thomas97]

Tomorrows the day badmofo
im sixteen in less than 24 hours!!!

i saved up atleast 200 bucks for gas, and between drinks gas and money, ill have no money left after than, and no not real drinks, just kid drinks, like Arizona! and Monster!
my car almost got sponsored by arizona because our band draws alot of attention around here and that was the bands drink of choice, but then they got back to me when we were about to get a deal down and said they were sorry to inform me that the boss or whatever said they had no sponsorship room left over and to contact them for 2009.

pretty cool, all i would have had to do was put an ARIZONA ICED TEA banner on my rear glass and i woulda gotten like 5 hundo a month!!!

oh well, i know some of you guys with better cars could definately get a sponsor, mine draws attention because of the miles and how she sounds after those miles. and well that fact that i do all the work and such.

ALAS im missing half of school tomorrow to go get my licensen and hopefully putting MORE miles on megamilesPrelude hahaha.

things got better with the car situation, im just not allowed to drive it at night for a while until my dad is sure its "safe" which is fine by me, theres alot of drunks out here so wont want her to get ruined because i couldnt wait to drive it.

im really excited about the car, i plan on starting to buy parts for the swap thats going to tak eplace in the comming year or so! im thinking about picking up a clutch with about 500-1000 miles on it which he said was bought for 400 and he said he will give it to me for 100 because its local, yay local!! AND then i want to get the lighter flywheel to go with it, when we do the swap im gonna take the trans out and see its condition, if its really bad im gonna ditch it, if its not so bad i might just get it checked up and rebuilt!

so clutch, flwheel, engine, something with trans and then who knows what, i know i got my eye on that magnaflow cat still which i might be able to snag with some birthday money then bring her into the schools shop and itstall it while its on the hydro lift.

IF i do end up getting a whole new power train me and my dad might take it to the track and RUN IT hard until it pops, and if it doesnt then we will bring it home and pull it and replace the old one, hoping to do this over a winter when i wouldnt really want to drive the car anyway to prevent more rust.

phew long post, but hey, i want you guys to know that i have exspensive plans too!

ive though about sleves and forged pistons etc, but we will have to see what time and money allows me since im only 16 but, definately when the engine is out?
SCRUBBING the bay to perfect spec.

phew lots of plans guys lots of plans,
Ace hit me up with this engine buisness
and to the rest, im going to try and get videos and pictures tomorrow of first drive!
Its my birthday i can long post if i want! :biggrin:

[94ludeguy]

hey man did u ever get ur oil pressure gauge hooked up. i hooked mine up without using a sandwich plate and i have no problems. went to the hardware store bought a "T" fitting and an inch extension piece... just take off the oil presssure sensor take it with u and find a "T" fitting that will fit that and then an extension that will fit that. ill try and take some pics tomorrow if u want me to... it was cheaper than the plate in the end

[thomas97]

i thought about that, but then your OP light would be on wuldnt it?
and i figure itds on the side and if im nto paying attention than i might forget and if i have a leak BOOM there goes the engine

less exagurant im sure but hey
haha

[94ludeguy]

no u can still have the ops b.c of the T fitting ill take a pic asap and do a small write up on it if i can. i still have my ops hooked up just teflon tape everything and u wont have any leaks

[thomas97]

OHHHH a t fitting, yeah i getcha, that would indeed work, probably less lees than that big plate, good idea dude!!

[94ludeguy]

yeah a T fitting lol it is alot cheaper than one of those plates less than $10 for the parts. unless u need more spots to hook stuff into. ill snap a pic asap

[thomas97]

yeah, sounds good. thanks and great thinking!!

[94ludeguy]

i finally got under my car and snapped a few pics of what how i hooked it up... i used a 1" extension the put the T-fitting on the end of that

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/94ludeguy/IMG00176.jpg?t=1210478819

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/94ludeguy/IMG00177.jpg?t=1210478902

the oil on there is not from it leaking. i had just taken off the filter.

[thomas97]

nice, thanks for the pictures.

[thomas97]

Man it has been TOO long,
When we last left our heros..
cut it short, Ive got alot of stuff to keep you guys updated on, most of you know i left my friend try the lude and he backed it right into our friends car, BOOOM there goes my rear bumper, pick up a black 97 Prelude bumper offa ebay for 100, yay! gets shipped to my door, and i pull off the shameful bumper and slap the silly black one on, so ive got a black bumper, hod is being prepped for painting, and its almost ready, yay! Prelude will be red again soon!

[93-LUDE-SI]

Dang that sucks man, you thought you were finally done with painting too.

[thomas97]

Far from it unfortunately, had to finnish up the school year and stuff, getting used to driving, now that schools out, who gives a **** about going anywhere!
plus ive got a civic for when the lude is down.

I talked to my dad today and we said im gonna be able to rebuild the 390 ford engine sitting in my grandparents garage then sell that for whateer is the right price THEN use THAT money all into the lude,
exspecting to buy:
Skunk2 Pro1 Cams
Skunk2 Valve Springs
undecided on valves, hopefully crowler
retainers
and a new head gasket, once thats done, we let the money recharge and attack the bottom end!

it started raining, i was gonna go take some pictures for you guys but unfortunately it started raining, rats.
Tomorrow!

oh oh oh!
I has an apexi vafc in ze bag?
hopefully, commee onn cheap parts.

[Kent535]

Very Nice :) Keep Up The Good Work

[starbai]

i wish i could do my own paint work

[Rpontious]

it looks like its really coming along!